In our daily work with plant extracts, we have often noticed that some plants are used as dietary supplements, but not as food.
In this article, we will discuss the differences in use.
Food vs. food supplements
The basic difference between food and dietary supplements lies first in their purpose.
The of food is nutrition and meeting the supply of nutrients necessary for a healthy life. They provide energy, macronutrients, micronutrients and fiber.
Nutritional supplements, on the other hand, supplement the diet. They are intended to provide nutrients that may not be absorbed in sufficient quantities in a normal diet. This applies, for example, to people who are exposed to particular stresses.
Use of plant extracts in food supplements
In contrast to foodstuffs, food supplements in Germany must be notified to the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) when they are placed on the market. Information on the type of use can be found, for example, in the BVL's substance lists.
Thus, some plant extracts may be allowed to be used as dietary supplements, but not as food.
This is true for these plant extracts in our product portfolio: